Sunrooms Cost Effective to Build

Sun rooms provide an alternative to the expenseanimals that damage it, and costly repairs, the
of traditional construction what most people aretrend has quickly moved another direction.
not aware of is the other tremendous benefits ofAccording to David Donnelly of Ambiance
this type of construction.Additions, open outdoor decks and yards are still
Of course sun rooms are less expensive thancommon, but there has been an increased
traditional construction but not for the reasonsattraction towards sunrooms, solariums and
you may think. A lot of people may think it isconservatory house additions. A recent article in
because the materials themselves are lessthe Wall Street Journal has even explained how
expensive and therefore inferior to traditionalhomeowners have been choosing these types of
materials but this is just not the case.enclosed outdoor living options, instead of
1. Standard 2 x 6 stud wall construction is used soinvesting in waterproof furniture and other
you can run wiring or plumbing through the walls.embellishments.
Walls include exterior sheathing, high densityEnclosed house additions, like sunrooms, offer
exterior grade foam and vapor barrier. You canmany benefits and they become integral parts of
add the interior wall finish on site or select one ofthe home, Donnelly said. Homeowners enjoy the
our natural wood finishes. You supply exteriorfeeling of being outdoors, without having to deal
siding to blend with the rest of your house. Wallswith neglected outdoor furniture and accessories.
are insulated to R 20."It gives the illusion of more space," says Steve
2. Sun rooms have glass that is more energySchoenewald, a sales manager at a real estate
efficient than what you find in most traditionalfirm who paid $764,000 for a Bradford Grand II
additions. Holds glass panels in place and locks outin Mount Laurel, N.J., a little over a year ago.
air or moisture leaks. Includes sill plates andSo while some private home sellers are struggling
attractive mahogany frame and trim, plusto sweeten the deal with new refrigerators or
architectural sealants. So simple to install, anyflat-screen television sets, big builders are offering
homeowner can do it.$20,000 to $30,000 of incentives in the form of
3. In most cases Sun rooms must be as energyfinished basements, sunrooms and expanded
efficient if not more energy efficient thenmaster suites.
traditional materials to meet the building codeAccording to Donnelly, homeowners are spending
requirements of most cities. The reason sunmore money and time to make better use of
rooms require less investment is simply becausetheir space.
they are manufactured in a factory environment'With the real estate market being the way it is,
and installed by technicians which significantlypeople want to get more bang for their buck
reduces the time expenses and labor associatedpricey backyard 'rooms' aren't cutting it
with conventional construction.anymore,'Donnelly said.
Living outdoors with a lavishly furnished backyardOnce marketed as a luxurious upgrade, sunrooms
was the trendy renovation for homes a feware now a standard feature in many builders'
years ago. Back then, people designed their opentop-selling models. More energy-efficient windows
outdoors area with cementation on sections ofhave made it easier to create walls of glass
their backyards, installing swimming pools, andwithout making the house cold and drafty, builders
even installing other components like outdoorsay; and opening up the outdoor views makes
kitchens. However, between the upkeep ofhomes look bigger.
expensive outdoor furnishings, its attraction to